The Highway 1/South Main Street project in Fairfield named the “Best State Road Project of 2024” by the Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA)

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 3:57 pm CDT

The Highway 1/South Main Street project in Fairfield, Iowa was named the “Best State Road Project of 2024” by the Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA).

The project included constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Libertyville Road and Highway 1/South Main Street, paving 2450 feet of Highway 1/south main street while converting from a two-lane rural section roadway to a three-lane urban cross-section, and adding a 10-ft wide multi-use trail on the east side of Highway 1/south main.

In determining the winners of Iowa’s most prestigious paving awards, 87 nominated projects were rated on smoothness, quality control, general appearance, as well as workmanship, contractor management, safety, and project complexity. The ICPA and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) jointly evaluated and recognized projects as 2024’s best concrete pavements built in twenty categories.

The City of Fairfield, general contractor Drish Construction, paving contractor Wicks Construction, Ideal Ready Mix, design engineers Shive-Hattery, Inc. and the Iowa DOT were all recognized for their contributions to the project.  “This is a once in a life-time project,” said Public Works Director and City Engineer Melanie Carlson, “To get to accomplish it with great people like Wicks and local businesses like Drish [Construction] and Ideal Ready Mix, makes it better not only for the City, but the users and the local economy too.”

Jon Robert Rooney

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 2:19 pm CDT

Jon Robert Rooney, 59, recently of Mt. Sterling, Iowa, a former lifelong resident of New Boston, Iowa, passed away at 7:03 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at his home.

He was born on August 27, 1965, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Lawrence “Mouse” and Janet Ann (Watkins) Rooney.

He is survived by his two daughters: Jena (Jose) Hoenes, Kara Rooney; son: Jon (Gabby) Rooney; step-son: Dustin (Ashley) Turpin; step-daughter: Sharraden Turpin (Daniel Price); grandchildren: Emili, Stephanie, Joseph, Sophia, Olivia, Kingston, Leah, Kelly; step-grandchildren: Levi, Greyson, Brennon, Scarlett, Rosalie; one brother: Pat (Patty) Rooney; two sisters: Gini (Doug) McAdams, Jill Rooney (Lyle Thompson) and his dog: Chubbs. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jon enjoyed hobby stock racing, fishing, mushrooming and he especially loved his dog, Chubbs.

His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Burial will be at Argyle Memorial Gardens at a later date.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.

Prep Boys’ State Wrestling: Session One for Class 3A Yields One Grayhound to the Quarterfinals

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 2:15 pm CDT

Des Moines, IA- The first session of the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament is in the books with the quarterfinals and first round of the consolation bracket set for Class 3A. Here’s a look at how our local wrestlers competed.

Burlington

106-Pound

The #2-seed Braxton Hutchinson earned a first-round bye due to his district championship, which led to his pair up with #18 Braydon Tranmer of Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln. In his first action of the tournament, Hutchinson controlled the action, picking up a win by major decision.

He will wrestle #7 Abe Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead in the quarterfinals tomorrow, February 20th.

157-Pound

In a surprise upset, #20 Adrain Perez-Hall, who dealt with an eye injury in the district meet, defeated #13 Owen Gilbert of Johnston by major decision. In the round of 16, #4 Jake Pontier of Indianola got the better of the Grayhound, winning by an 11-4 decision.

Perez-Hall will face off against #19 Brogan Ganshert of Davenport Central in the consolation bracket tomorrow.

Fort Madison

113-Pound

#10 James Fuller handled business in his first-round match against #23 Peyton Philavanh of Dallas Center-Grimes, collecting a win by fall. #7 Kipton Lewis of Waverly-Shell Rock returned the favor in the next round to knock Fuller to the consolation bracket.

#24 Ike Heysinger of Dubuque Hempstead will be waiting for him tomorrow.

More

Stay tuned to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, for live updates and wrap-up articles as we cover the 2025 Iowa Boys’ High School State Wrestling Tournament thanks to our local sponsors!

Mary Lou Shannan

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 10:06 am CDT

Mary Lou Shannan, 91, a longtime resident of Fairfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Parkview Care Center.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield, with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. A gathering to celebrate her life will follow at the Fairfield Community Center. Burial will take place at Pattison Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Ethnos 360, SIMS Missions, or Hospice Compassus and sent to the family at 2568-269th St., Fairfield, Iowa, 52556.

Mary Lou was born on December 25, 1933, in Fairfield to Gaston and Bessie (Keller) Droz. She married the love of her life, Jimmie L. Shannan, on October 5, 1952, in Stockport, Iowa. Jim preceded her in death on May 8, 2001.

Together, Mary Lou and Jim shared a beautiful partnership, both in marriage and in their many joint ventures, including managing the family farm and business, Shannan Horse and Hound, in Fairfield. Their shared dedication extended beyond the farm, as they opened their home to countless children in the community as foster parents, enriching many lives with their love and care. Mary Lou was also involved in her community, volunteering for various groups, including the Bargain Box in Fairfield.

A lover of music and the arts, Mary Lou had a beautiful singing voice and was talented on piano. “O Holy Night” at Christmas, performed with her powerful voice and without a microphone, remains a cherished memory for many.

Throughout her life, Mary Lou’s unwavering faith in God was her guiding light. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her constant study of the Scriptures, her service to others, and her kind, generous heart. Mary Lou was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Fairfield.

Those left to honor her memory include her sons, Kirk (Mary) Shannan of Fairfield and Kevin (Bill) Shannan of Worthington, Ohio; her grandchildren, Jessica, Justin (Erin), Casey (Bub), Jeremy (Rosmira), Jodi (Winston), Chance (Amy), Quest (Kelsey), and Noble; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Brett, Shamus, Noah, Ben, Charlie, Breeze, George, Millie, Duke, Ryder, and Carson; many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jannine; and the many foster children she lovingly nurtured, including Chad, Ray, Tammy, and Chris.

In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Mike and Todd Shannan; and her brother, Harold Droz.

The family invites friends and family to leave their condolences and share memories of Mary Lou by visiting her obituary at www.behnerfh.com.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office cited Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Tom Schulz, for Public Intoxication

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 9:16 am CDT

Lee County Sheriff’s Office cited the chairman of the board of supervisors Tom Schulz, for public intoxication. The incident began at the board meeting at the county building, where signs and odors of intoxication were noticed.

Mr. Schulz left the building for medical attention. County Attorney Ross Braden was contacted and a decision was made to investigate the matter as it was believed Mr. Schulz was intoxicated while performing his duties as a supervisor to the county and while in the county office building, a public space. A short time later, Schulz returned to the County Office building, and deputies went to speak with him. Before their arrival, Schulz left the building and went home.

Deputies went to his residence and were eventually able to make contact with him a few minutes after attempting contact at his residence while he was walking down his street. Schulz exhibited signs of intoxication, and a breath sample was obtained. Schulz was cited and released.

A charge is merely an accusation; a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Governor Kim Reynolds Continues Pushing For Quality Healthcare For Iowans

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 7:00 am CDT

Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation to ensure access to quality healthcare in all parts of the state.

The Governor was quoted saying, “The well-being of working families and rural communities depends on access to high quality healthcare, Iowa has a strong foundation to build on, but we need more medical professionals, including specialists, in every part of the state. This program will mean over 460 new physicians over four years being trained here in Iowa. That’s a game changer for rural communities and every part of the state.”   

The Governor has also directed HHS, in partnership with the University of Iowa and Broadlawns, to establish a Graduate Medical Education enhanced payment to draw down more than $150 million in federal dollars to create a projected 115 new residency slots at Iowa’s 14 teaching hospitals.

FFA Sub-district updates from Mount Pleasant & WMU Chapters

By Hayden Douglas · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 6:47 am CDT

During National FFA Week, KILJ got the chance to speak with several FFA Chapters from our area high schools. Kaylen Hunold of the Mount Pleasant FFA Chapter gave an update on Mondays Sub-district competition.

MP FFA Vice President, Jacie Campbell will also be running for district office during the FFA Districts in March.

Winfield Mount Union students also competed in sub-districts on Monday. VP Beatrice Anderson talks about their results.

WMU students are celebrating National FFA week with their own Ag Olympics. Students will compete in a series of ag themed mini games throughout the week along with creative dress up days each day this week.

Sports, February 19th

By Slaten Swords · Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Girls’ Postseason Basketball

In Class 1A Region 7, Holy Trinity Catholic made the trip to Lone Tree last night and appeared poised to pull off the upset after leading 15 to 10 midway through the 2nd quarter, but the Crusaders simply ran out of steam and fell to the Lions 55-36. Teagan Snaadt led the scoring effort with 15 points. Holy Trinity Catholic finished the season with a 15-7 record.

Winfield-Mt. Union threw everything they had at #7 Springville but the Wolves’ season came to an end last night, losing 63-31. Kynlee Buffington tabbed one more double-double for the season with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Wolves ended the season with a 6-17 record. 

WACO could not knock off #14 Sigourney last night, falling 62-33. The Warriors collected a 15-9 record for the season.

In Class 2A Region 1, Van Buren County lost to Pleasantville last night 60-38. The Warriors finished the season with a 10-12 record. 

In Class 2A Region 2, Columbus’ defense shut down West Burlington last night to the tune of a 48-28 victory. Lily Coil led the winning effort with 17 points. The Falcons ended the season with an 8-15 record. 

Danville squashed Louisa-Muscatine last night 46-16. The Bears will travel to Columbus on Friday, February 21st, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

In Class 3A Region 1, Mediapolis will face off against Benton at home tonight at 7 pm.

In Class 4A Region 4, Mt. Pleasant will make the trip to Keokuk tonight. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm. The winner will travel to Clear Creek Amana on Saturday, February 22nd.

The top half of the bracket will feature Burlington playing host to Fort Madison with the winner to compete against Central DeWitt on Saturday. 

High School Boys’ Postseason Basketball

For Class 1A Substate 4 District 8, #4 Winfield-Mt. Union will take on #1-seed #10 Burlington Notre Dame tomorrow, February 20th, on the road. Wolves head coach Klay Edwards talked about what his team will need to focus on heading into the matchup,

“You know that the tempo of the game is gonna be different. They get up and down and we’re gonna really have to rely on our defensive transition. And then, just be physical and you know, I think we have some size and strength on them, I think, but, you know, Shay’s fantastic. And then the Jack Drew kid, the senior, he’s having a fantastic year too, and he’s an inside out kid with some length, they’re 6’3/6’4… Their role players are nice pieces too. They’re not big, but they are strong kids. They do a nice job, and the Prottsman kid impressed me, so we’ll have to be aware of him too.”

#3 WACO will face off against #2 Holy Trinity Catholic tomorrow at 7 pm on the road. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

For Class 2A Substate 5: District 9, #4 Central Lee will travel to compete against the #1-seed #10 West Burlington tomorrow at 7 pm.

On the bottom half of the bracket, #3 Mediapolis will face off against #2 Mid-Prairie tomorrow at 7 pm on the road. 

For Class 3A Substate 6, #8 Mt. Pleasant will hit the road to take on the #1-seed #3 Knoxville and #7 Fairfield will travel to #2 Mt. Vernon for their first round of postseason action on Monday, February 24th, at 7 pm. KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, will be on the call for the Panthers game with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.

High School Wrestling

The boys’ state tournament is scheduled to start today with KILJ 105.5 FM and kilj.com providing updates for our 32 local wrestlers throughout the day. If you would like to see the first-round matchups for our local wrestlers, the follow this link: First-Round Matchups 

High School Basketball

The Mt. Pleasant boys’ team struggled against Pella last night, falling 76-33. 

The Fairfield boys’ team did not have the answers to Clear Creek Amana last night, losing 89-64. 

High School Bowling

The boys’ state qualifying meets took place yesterday and Burlington punched their ticket to the state tournament for the first time in program history, grabbing 2nd place as a team with 3,030 pins. Mt. Pleasant claimed 7th place with 2,419 pins.

The state bowling tournament will begin on Monday, February 24th, in Waterloo. On the girls’ side, Keokuk will be competing as a team on Monday, while Mt. Pleasant’s Madalyn Millard and Bethany Drury will bowl individually on Tuesday, February 25th.

Southeast Iowa Playbook

Tune in to KILJ 105.5 FM, kilj.com, tonight at 6 pm for a new episode of the Southeast Iowa Playbook. New London will be the school of focus with special guests Kane Forseen and Gage Burden as they discuss their thoughts before competing at the state wrestling tournament. 

Southeastern Community College                                                     

The men’s basketball team will travel to take on Richard J. Daley College tomorrow, February 20th, at 7 pm.

College Basketball

The #8 Iowa State men’s team thumped Colorado last night 79-65. Five Cyclones finished in double figures last night as Joshua Jefferson scored 12 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out four assists in the win. The Cyclones will be tested in a road bout against #5 Houston on Saturday, February 22nd, at 1 pm.

The Iowa men’s team will take on Oregon tonight at 7:30 pm at home.

The Iowa women’s team will host #3 UCLA on Sunday, February 23rd, at 1 pm.

The Iowa State women’s team will face off against Houston tonight at 6:30 pm at home.

This Day in Sports History

1946 – New York Giants outfielder Danny Gardella is the first major leaguer to announce that he is jumping to the “outlaw” Mexican Baseball League for a fee of $10,000.

1965 – The NFL adds a 6th official – the line judge.

1984 – The first brother combo to win Gold and Silver in the same event at Olympics (Phil & Steve Mahre-Slalom).